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insular

adjective/ˈɪn.sələr/

definition

characterized by a lack of contact with other cultures or people

example

The insular community had little interaction with the outside world, resulting in a culture that was rich yet narrow in perspective.

synonyms
isolatedprovincialnarrow-minded
word origin — from Latin 'insularis', meaning 'of or pertaining to an island', from 'insula', meaning 'island'

GRE Vocabulary — Set 89

Set 89 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: insular, meritorious, obstinate, forthright, labyrinthine. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. insular · adjective/ˈɪn.sələr/

    characterized by a lack of contact with other cultures or people

    The insular community had little interaction with the outside world, resulting in a culture that was rich yet narrow in perspective.

    Synonyms: isolated, provincial, narrow-minded

    Origin: from Latin 'insularis', meaning 'of or pertaining to an island', from 'insula', meaning 'island'

  2. meritorious · adjective/ˌmɛrɪˈtɔriəs/

    deserving reward or praise

    Her meritorious service to the community earned her a prestigious award at the annual gala.

    Synonyms: commendable, praiseworthy, deserving

    Origin: from Latin 'meritorius', meaning 'deserving, earning' (from 'meritum', meaning 'merit, reward')

  3. obstinate · adjective/ˈɑbstɪnɪt/

    stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action despite attempts to persuade one to do so

    Despite numerous discussions about the new policy, she remained obstinate in her decision to stick to the old ways.

    Synonyms: stubborn, obstreperous, willful

    Origin: originates from the Latin 'obstinatus', meaning 'resolute' or 'persistent', which derives from 'obstinare', meaning 'to stand firm'.

  4. forthright · adjective/ˈfɔrθraɪt/

    direct and outspoken in a straightforward manner

    Her forthright approach to discussing the issues made it easy for everyone to understand her perspective.

    Synonyms: frank, candid, straightforward

    Origin: Middle English; from 'forthright' meaning 'straight forward' or 'direct' with roots in Old English.

  5. labyrinthine · adjective/ˌlæb.əˈrɪnˌθin/

    intricate and confusing in design or structure

    The city’s labyrinthine streets made it easy for tourists to lose their way among the twisting alleys.

    Synonyms: complex, convoluted, intricate

    Origin: The word 'labyrinthine' originates from the word 'labyrinth,' which comes from the Greek 'labyrinthos,' meaning 'a place with intricate pathways.'